Melaka Polls: MIPP Exit – Will Perikatan Nasional parties win Indian votes?
MELAKA: As political manoeuvring intensifies ahead of the upcoming Melaka State Election, the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) has announced it will withdraw from contesting the state polls, raising questions about the direction of Indian voter support within the opposition bloc.
MIPP President S.P. Punithan (pic) confirmed the party’s stance after recent seat-allocation announcements. Earlier, Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said BN would field candidates in 21 seats, leaving the remaining seven for partner and friendly coalitions. However, this allocation sparked friction among Perikatan Nasional (PN) component parties, as the designated seats largely fall in traditional DAP strongholds with predominantly Chinese voters.
Amid speculation over which seat MIPP would be assigned, Punithan firmly said the party would not compromise its core principles or dilute its struggle for the Indian community merely to secure a state assembly candidacy.
Despite opting out, it remains unclear whether MIPP will actively mobilise Indian community support for PAS candidates or those from other coalition partners like Parti Wawasan Negara in the remaining contested seats. Indian voters currently support Barisan Nasional, with some pockets turning to Pakatan Harapan. Generally, Indian voters tend to avoid PAS and, consequently, the PN coalition. However, in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state assembly elections, MIPP was seen as a crucial component of PN that could drive Indian voters, especially younger ones and those with a neutral stance, to support PN despite PAS’s presence. Now, by not contesting in Melaka and saying they were not treated with respect on seat allocation, it is doubtful whether PN parties will be able to win Indian votes.
Political observers say PN going into the Melaka state polls without an Indian party presence will further drive Indian voters away from parties such as PAS and Wawasan.
In a media report, Punithan emphasised the need for a genuine political partnership. “Mutual respect, unity, and inclusivity among component parties are essential for any political alliance. Only on a foundation of trust can we build a strong, resilient coalition capable of safeguarding every party’s interests,” he stated.
In previous state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, MIPP campaigned under the Perikatan Nasional banner and was allocated five seats in Johor and two in Negeri Sembilan, though it failed to win in either state.
With nomination day set for October 31, political observers are watching closely to see if last-minute negotiations yield any compromise among the coalition partners. PAS Secretary-General Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan noted that seat allocations have not been fully finalised, affirming that co-operation among PN-aligned parties remains intact.
Meanwhile, questions also persist regarding the election logos to be used on the ballot. With PAS expected to contest under its own party symbol, details regarding the seats and election symbols for partner parties such as Gerakan and Wawasan remain to be finalised.
